Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, stands out for its heavy actuation and bottom-out force, providing a robust typing experience suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, boasts a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy satisfying yet silent typing sessions. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a clacky and vibrant RGB lighting experience, the Silent Grey focuses on offering a subtle and subdued typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a POM bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Grey features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, whereas the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. These differences in sound characteristics are influenced by the stiffness of polycarbonate and the softness of nylon, as well as the unique properties of POM.
In terms of aesthetics, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing and INK blend top housing may offer a more uniform appearance compared to the Silent Grey's combination of a nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing. The clear housing of the Silent Grey switch allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which can be visually appealing. However, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing and INK blend top housing may provide a more consistent and sleek look overall. Additionally, the choice between a softer nylon bottom housing and a stiffer polycarbonate top housing may impact the overall feel and sound of the switches.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Outemu Silent Grey switches feature different housing materials, both switches can still provide a satisfying typing experience. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey contribute to a deeper sound profile, offering users a more muted typing experience. Similarly, the INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black and the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey create distinct sound profiles, with the former producing a clacky sound and the latter delivering a sharper tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch are both in the medium-heavy range. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, but both switches require a bottom out force of 70 grams and 65 grams respectively. Those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Grey. However, both switches provide a similar level of force for actuation and bottoming out, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience with both switches. Whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Silent Grey, you can enjoy a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a travel distance that remains the same for both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
The Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it perfect for those who prefer a more subdued sound. Both switches provide different auditory experiences depending on the preference of the user, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being more on the crisp and bright side, while the Silent Grey offers a softer and more muted sound.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as creamy and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is not specified in the information provided. However, being a tactile switch, it is likely to have a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate tactility.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a clacky sound profile and a smooth, creamy typing experience, while the Silent Grey provides a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. Depending on whether you prefer a heavier linear switch with a more pronounced sound or a quiet and tactile switch, both options offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a more substantive typing feel with a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch is perfect for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a clacky and creamy typing feel with the G Pro 3.0 Black, or a more subdued and silky typing experience with the Silent Grey switch. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best aligns with your personal preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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